This Cozy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup features a hearty mix of vegetables, beans, and pasta in a savory broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, it’s an easy recipe that blends rich Italian flavors into a healthy, slow-cooked dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cozy slow cooker minestrone soup is a nutritious, healthy dish that combines a hearty mix of vegetables, creamy beans, and tender pasta in a savory broth, offering a comforting meal perfect for chilly days. Easy to prep and hands-off with slow cooking, it’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein. The slow cooker’s gentle simmering creates a guilt-free indulgence that’s both delicious and soul-warming.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Rinse Beans Well: Removes excess sodium from canned beans.
- Sauté Aromatics First: Adds depth of flavor before slow cooking.
- Add Pasta Late: Prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Check Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt based on broth.
- Use Fresh Veggies: Boosts texture and taste.
- Avoid Overfilling: Leave space for even cooking.
- Rest Before Serving: Allows flavors to meld.
- Serve Warm: Maximizes the veggie-pasta contrast.
- Store Broth Separately: Keeps ingredients fresh if needed.
- Thicken if Desired: Simmer on high to reduce liquid.
Cozy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Hearty minestrone soup, cozy slow cooker healthy meal.
Ingredients
- ½ cup small pasta
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 tsp chopped basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 stalks celery
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prep the Veggies: Peel and slice carrots, chop celery, and dice zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil, and sauté minced garlic, carrots, and celery for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed veggies to the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, and vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
- Season the Soup: Stir in chopped basil and salt, adjusting to taste.
- Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until veggies are tender.
- Add Pasta: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the small pasta and diced zucchini.
- Check Doneness: Ensure pasta is al dente and veggies are soft.
- Rest the Soup: Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, cook on high for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and savor this cozy, hearty bowl!
Notes
- Rinse beans thoroughly to reduce sodium; sauté aromatics for flavor.
- Add pasta late for texture; adjust seasoning to taste.
- Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness; reheat with broth to restore consistency.
- This recipe can be adapted for low-carb or gluten-free diets with appropriate swaps.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 84Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 461mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 3gSugar 6gProtein 4g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Cannellini Beans (1 can, 15 oz): Drained and rinsed, for creaminess.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): For tangy base.
- Carrots (2 medium): Peeled and sliced for sweetness.
- Celery (2 stalks): Chopped for crunch.
- Zucchini (1 medium): Diced for freshness.
- Small Pasta (½ cup): Ditalini or elbow, for heartiness.
- Vegetable Broth (4 cups): Low-sodium for moisture.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Minced for aromatic depth.
- Basil (1 tsp, chopped): Fresh for herbal lift.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavor; adjust to taste.
Variations and Substitutions
- Bean Swap: Use kidney or great northern beans.
- Tomato Swap: Replace with fresh tomatoes or sauce.
- Veggie Swap: Add spinach or green beans.
- Pasta Swap: Use gluten-free pasta or omit for low-carb.
- Broth Swap: Use chicken broth or water with extra seasoning.
- Herb Swap: Replace basil with oregano or thyme.
- Oil Swap: Use olive oil for sautéing or omit.
- Low-Sodium: Reduce or skip salt based on broth.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat on stovetop.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge.
- Reheating: Warm on low heat with a splash of broth.
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